DARTMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS The Professional and Continuing Education Center of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth located at 139 South Main Street in Fall River is hosting a series of manufacturing institutes focused on competitiveness. The institutes are co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

DARTMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS – The Professional and Continuing Education Center of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth located at 139 South Main Street in Fall River is hosting a series of manufacturing institutes focused on competitiveness. The institutes are co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

"Companies need to produce more with existing resources by focusing on the elimination of non-value added activities or waste," says Dr. Antone Vieira, Executive Director for Corporate Programs and Partnerships at the University. "We want to help companies focus on waste elimination to reduce production lead time, production costs, and improve product quality," said Vieira "and according to the participating companies, these institutes are a big help."

Eight local companies recently completed one of the institutes by participating in six workshops designed to help companies in southeastern Massachusetts sustain a competitive advantage. Seating was limited to 20 individuals per workshop.

"We have had company presidents, senior managers, supervisors, and shop floor personnel participate," notes Rick Bowie from MassMEP. "This is a great opportunity for local business to benefit. The workshops in the institutes provide companies ways to reduced cycle time, inventory, work-in-progress, and operating costs."

"The manufacturing institutes give us the chance to help companies increase capacity, productivity, and profits," Dr. Vieira concludes. "UMass Dartmouth is pleased to be partnering with MassMEP to provide this opportunity."

Another competitiveness institute is now scheduled for March.

For further information regarding the upcoming institute contact Dr. Antone Vieira at 508-999-8744, avieira@umassd.edu or Rick Bowie at 508-679-2146 richard.bowie@massmep.org